Pompei
 |
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pompeii. ([[|Discuss]]) |
| Comune di Pompei | |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms |
|
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Province | Naples (NA) |
| Mayor | Claudio D'Alessio |
| Area | km² ( sq mi) |
| Population (as of december 31, 2004) | |
| - Total | |
| - Density | /km² (/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, [[UTC+1]] |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | |
| Dialing code | 081 |
| Postal code | 80045, 80040 |
| Frazioni | Messigno, Pompei Scavi |
| Patron | Beata Vergine del Rosario |
| - Day | May 8 |
.svg)  Location of Pompei in Italy |
|
| Website: www.comune.pompei.na.it | |
Pompei is a city in the province of Naples (Campania, Italy).
History
The gens Pompeia, who gave the name to the ancient city, was of Oscan origins. A settlement appeared probably in this area around the 7th century BC, on what was an important crossroad between Cumae, Nola and Stabiae. According to Strabo, Pompei was also captured by the Etruscans, and in fact recent excavations have showed the presence of Etruscan inscriptions and a 6th century necropolis. Pompei was captured a first time by the Greek colony of Cumae, allied with Syracuse, between 525 and 474 BC.
Caught into the Samnite Wars (4th century), Pompei was forced to accept the status of socium of Rome, maintaining however linguistic and administrative autonomy. In the 4th century it was fortified. Pompei remained faithful to Rome during the Second Punic War.
Starting from the 2nd century BC the intensive agriculture and the wine and olive growing allowed Pompeii to flourish outstandingly. In 91 BC, Pompeii sided against Rome in the Social War, and was thenceforth stormed by Sulla. In 80 BC the Roman general transferred here a colony of veterans.
In 79 AD it was destroyed by the famous eruption of the Vesuvius.
Main sights
The city is mainly famous for the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, located in the frazione of Pompei Scavi.
The central basilica, dedicated to Madonna del Rosario di Pompei, has become a site for Catholic pilgrimages in recent years. It houses a canvas by Luca Giordano.
According to Claire Weiss, an area supervisor in the archaeological Anglo-American Project at the ruins of ancient Pompeii, while the rest of the world thinks of the city mainly in connection with the Roman ruins, "in Italy is better known for being home to the Cathedral of Pompei" ([1]).
External links
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